Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack, right, tackles Connecticut running back Max DeLorenzo during their game on Sept. 28. Mack is projected as a possible top-10 pick in next year's NFL draft.

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As a boy growing up in football-rich Florida, Khalil Mack dreamed of suiting up for big-name colleges such as Miami, Florida and Florida State.

Mack was a third-team All-Florida linebacker and played on a district championship team for Westwood High School in Fort Pierce, so why shouldn't he dream big? But like a flower trying to stick out in a greenhouse, sometimes a guy just can't get noticed.

"It was interesting what happened with me," Mack said. "But it was a reason for me to stay hungry leaving Florida." ...